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Julie Long

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Devotions

The Redeemed

1 Min Read

embrace_the_grace“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:23-24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)

A few months ago I was at a conference and a young lady who had gone to our church previously came to me after the service. She asked me to pray for her as she had made so many mistakes and wanted to do what was right. I told her immediately, “Join the club; we have all made mistakes.”

Thank God for His grace and mercy. None of us deserve a second chance but He gives us just that. We can’t go back just forward.

It’s admirable to realize and admit to being wrong. You’re headed in the right direction when you do so.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for righting the wrongs in my life. Your forgiveness is so awesome, God. When I ask Your forgiveness it relieves me of the condemnation that sin carries.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Convictions of Steel

2 Mins Read

Iron“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.”

There is nothing as powerful as the preached Word of God. In my lifetime I have been blessed to hear the best of the best! In this verse, the Apostle Paul was bragging on the church in Thessalonica just a little. They got it; not just the words they heard but the Word produced a powerful effect on both their hearts and lives.

I like how The Message Bible puts it: “When the message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.”

I’m so glad I heard the message as a child and because of the Word I have conviction of steel! It’s almost impossible to change steel. My house is built on The ROCK!

Prayer: My heritage is so valuable to me, Lord. Thank You for sending preachers my way to help forge my own personal convictions. Your Spirit is what keeps me tall and erect. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

The Valley of Blessing

2 Mins Read

valley“And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called The Valley of Beracah, unto this day.” (2 Chronicles 20:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Ever been in the valley of discouragement? I have. It’s not fun!

In our devotional verse, the Valley of Beracah is called a blessing. Jehoshaphat gathered his troops up early one morning and gave them a pep talk about believing God and the prophets. He did a strange thing that day by ordering a choir to march ahead of the troops, singing and giving thanks to God.

Because of the shouting and praising, God set ambushes against their enemies. The enemy became confused and killed each other before Judah got there. There was so much equipment, clothing and valuables that it took three days to carry away all the spoils of victory. On the fourth day, they celebrated in the valley of Berachah and called it the Valley of Blessing.

Praise will get you victory even in the valley!

Prayer: Today, Lord, I’m in the valley but Your Word tells me that the valley is where you restore my soul. Victory is coming if I just keep praising Your name! Thank You for the valley of blessing! Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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A House not made with Hands

2 Mins Read

sky“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Moving around to different houses has lost its attraction for me. Maybe it’s because of my age, but getting ready to move is hard work. I don’t want to move anymore! We probably need to downsize but I’m dragging my feet because I simply am tired of moving.

With all that said, I am looking forward to moving to the house not made with hands in the heavens. In our devotional verse, the Apostle evidently means there is a day coming when our soul will no longer be tied to earth by our body, but it will be released back to God who gave it. Now that’s a move I can handle!

While they wandered in the wilderness, the children of Israel had to move the tabernacle everywhere they went. When they arrived at the new place it had to be set-up again. This process was repeated over and over again. What a hope the Resurrection brings to all of us. No more packing!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for that blessed hope. These earthly houses cannot compare to my eternal home not made with hands!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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God Looks Out for Senior Saints

1 Min Read

95“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

God has made a pact with us oldies. How neat is that? We can always count on Him keeping His Word. Even if our loved ones give up on us, He has promised to take care of us. He will carry us when we can no longer walk. What a loving God we serve.

From the world’s standpoint the health care system is saying the elderly are a bother but from Heaven’s point of view He will take care of us. He is looking out for senior saints!

Prayer: So thankful Lord, that Your promises are yea and amen. There’s no need to worry or fret as we age. We must keep our eyes on You. Great is Your faithfulness! Amen and Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

Abraham and Angela

2 Mins Read

hope2“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” (Genesis 22:13 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

My friend, Angela was working on her degree online and needed a small desk to work from. She saw one in Target for $149 that she liked but their family budget couldn’t handle that much money just for her. God knew her need and one day to her surprise she walked into Target and it was marked down to $19.44. She went to the register thinking perhaps it was a mistake, but sure enough it was accurate.

I have known Angela for 30+ years and watched her grow up in the church. She was helpful and faithful to a church planter and his family. Because of her faithfulness God was faithful to her.

Two needs and God supplied both. Abraham was in need of a sacrifice and God provided. Angela needed a desk and He made the way.

What is your need today? God is faithful to the faithful. You can always count of Him. He keeps records of faithfulness. It pays to be faithful!

Prayer: Down through the years, Lord, You have been faithful to me. You have supplied every need. I can testify to Your faithfulness. Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Head in the Clouds

1 Min Read

journey“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;” (Exodus 13:21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Walking around with your head in the clouds is not always negative! Oh, how I want to spend my day walking under the cloud of God’s direction. The cloud of His presence can provide protection from the heat of difficult circumstances or bring a refreshing rain to my soul.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my pillar of cloud everywhere I go!

Devotion by Julie Long

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On Duty 24/7

1 Min Read

Wall-Clock-MAX-7015-It is said that there are two occupations that require 24/7 duty – doctors and preachers. But, God is the original “on call,” any time, all the time, overtime worker!

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (I Peter 3:12 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

God is aware of every move I make and every breath I take. Much of the world prays to gods of stone or wood – images made by man’s hands. These idols cannot hear or answer, nor are they concerned about the everyday life of their followers.

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the attentiveness of a Living Savior!

Devotion by Julie Long

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An Open Book

1 Min Read

Man holding arms up in praise against golden sunset“But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible)

This verse gives new meaning to the phrase, “You can read me like a book.” Our hearts and minds are like an open book to our Heavenly Father. Our every thought and actions are known to Him. This realization should make us want to cry out, “Search me O, Lord and make me clean!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I long for Your approval upon my life. Help me to conduct myself in a manner that is pleasing to You and let everything I say, think and do bring glory to You! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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